Storage sleeve for food and beverages

ABSTRACT

A storage sleeve comprised of a plurality of side panels defining and open-ended hollow box-like structure appropriately sized for placement in a conventional cooler container and surrounded by a coolant. At least one of the plurality of side panels includes a mesh-like section to readily facilitate heat transfer therethrough. When the storage sleeve is placed within the cooler container and at least partially surrounded by a solid coolant such as ice, the box-like structure as defined by the plurality of side panels prevents the coolant from occupying the storage area. At the same time, the mesh-like section accommodates heat transfer between the storage area and the coolant itself.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and hereby expressly incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/345,147, filed on Jan. 3, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to containers for storing food and beverage type articles in a manner which facilitates ready access thereto. More particularly, the invention relates to a storage sleeve for defining a storage region within a cooler or ice chest for accommodating selective removal and replacement of articles to be cooled. The invention is particularly applicable to an ice chest wherein ice cubes or chips are used to maintain a reduced temperature within the ice chest. The storage sleeve is positioned within the ice chest in a manner such that the interior of the sleeve defines a storage region. The walls of the storage sleeve prevent the ice cubes or chips from entering and occupying this defined storage region while at the same time permitting the desired heat transfer between the storage region and the ice. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention may be adapted to effective use in other environments and applications.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Thermally-insulated containers, such as coolers, ice chests and the like are generally known in the prior art to provide a storage area for food and/or beverage articles that are to be maintained at a relatively constant temperature. The food articles typically include, for example, sandwiches, meat, condiments, side dishes, and the like. The beverage articles may include, for example, wine bottles, carbonated beverage cans or bottles, milk containers, and the like. Normally, the food and beverage articles are placed in the thermally insulated container and a cooling agent, such as an ice block, a supply of ice cubes or chips, or the like, is placed in the thermally insulated container. The cooling agent maintains the food and beverage articles at a relatively constant temperature in an effort to maintain the items at a desired temperature and prevent spoilage. A conventional ice chest or cooler container typically defines only a single storage chamber, and the cooling agent is generally permitted to loosely intermingle with the food and beverage articles. The close proximity between the food and beverage articles and the cooling agent allows for sufficient heat transfer for maintaining the food and beverage articles at a relatively constant temperature.

[0006] More specifically, an individual typically first places the food and beverage articles as desired within the storage chamber and then places the cooling agent, such as ice cubes or chips, over and around the food and beverage articles. The ice cubes or chips easily fall loosely above, between, and around the food and beverage articles. The close proximity of the ice cubes to many surfaces of the food and beverage articles provides ample heat transfer for maintaining the articles at the relatively constant temperature.

[0007] One common problem occurs when the articles are allowed to loosely intermingle with the cooling agent, particularly when the cooling agent comprises ice cubes or chips of a relatively small size. The problem resides in that the loose intermingling of the ice cubes with the articles deters an individual from temporarily removing any particular article with the expectation that the article can thereafter be replaced into the same location to achieve effective cooling. For example, a beverage container that has been placed within the cooler container and substantially surrounded by ice cubes will not be permitted to return to its original location after being removed from the cooler. Upon removal, the ice cubes fall freely into the space previously occupied by the beverage container. This is particularly troublesome when the article is of the type designed for repeated use, e.g., a bottle of wine, juice, milk, soda pop or the like. Thus, it has been considered desirable to provide a means or device for allowing articles stored in a cooler to be selectively removed from a particular location in the cooler and later replaced in substantially the same location.

[0008] The foregoing problem of removing and replacing articles housed in a portable ice chest has been previously recognized in U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,654 issued to Martel. In this patent, a cooling insert is provided which includes five panel sections for dividing the cooler into four storage compartments. Each panel section is of a mesh-type that allows air to freely pass therethrough. This permits the cooling agent to effectively cool food and beverage articles in any of the four compartments regardless of where the cooling agent itself is located.

[0009] One of the drawbacks of this prior device is that it is not adapted for optimal use with a food or beverage articles of a particular size. Thus, it has been considered desirable to provide a storage sleeve of a specific size for use with particularly sized food or beverage articles. Moreover, it is considered generally desirable to provide a storage sleeve that is smaller, lighter and more compact than any of the devices suggested by the prior art. Likewise, it is considered generally desirable to provide a product that is relatively simple and/or inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. The present invention is deemed to meet these needs and provide a new and improved storage sleeve particularly suited for use in portable coolers and ice chests.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a storage sleeve for use in a cooler or ice chest is advantageously provided. The storage sleeve generally has a polygonal conformation. The side walls of the sleeve include mesh-like sections for allowing heat exchange or transfer therethrough. The storage sleeve can be operatively positioned within a cooler or the like for reserving a defined area of storage space therein. When the storage sleeve is positioned in the cooler, food and beverage articles can be placed in, removed from, and then replaced in the same area to achieve effective cooling. The storage sleeve prevents coolant, such as ice cubes or chips, from occupying the defined area of storage space while allowing heat transfer to occur therethrough.

[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the storage sleeve has plural side panels defining a generally rectangular confirmation.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the storage sleeve includes at least one selectively openable end for receiving an article to be stored.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention, the storage sleeve is open ended and has four side wall portions selectively movable between a collapsed storage condition and an assembled condition.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the storage sleeve includes a first rectangular panel member having first and second side edges and at least one slot defined along the first side edge. A second rectangular panel member has first and second side edges. The first side edge of the second panel member is flexibly connected to the second side edge of the first panel member. A third panel member has first and second side edges. The first side edge of the third panel member is flexibly connected to the second side edge of the second panel member. A fourth rectangular panel member has first and second side edges. The first side edge of the fourth panel member is flexibly connected to the second side edge of the third panel member. The second side edge of the fourth panel includes at least one tab receivable within the slot in the first side edge of the first panel to form an open-ended rectangular storage sleeve structure.

[0015] A principal advantage of the present invention in the provision of a storage sleeve that is optimally adapted to receive a food or beverage article that has a complimentary shape and/or size compared to the storage sleeve.

[0016] Another advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a storage sleeve that is relatively small, lightweight and compact.

[0017] Still yet another advantage of the invention is found in a storage sleeve that is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0018] Still another advantage of the invention is the provision of a removable storage sleeve that can be easily positioned wherever desired within an associated cooler or ice chest.

[0019] Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art and upon reading and understanding the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

[0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled storage sleeve formed according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a preassembled perspective view of the storage sleeve of FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the storage sleeve of FIG. 1 as operatively positioned within an associated ice chest;

[0024]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembled storage sleeve formed according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 5 is a preassembled perspective view of the storage sleeve of FIG. 4;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a plan view of the storage sleeve of FIG. 4 showing a pair of overlapped connecting flanges used to assemble the device; and,

[0027]FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of one possible rivet-type fastener used for securing together the overlapping flanges of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0028] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 shows a storage sleeve as including an open-ended rectangular box frame or body 10 defined by a plurality of interconnected rectangular panel members 12, 14, 16, 18. These panel members are flexibly connected to one another at hinge areas, also referred to herein as living hinges, extending along their respective longitudinal sides.

[0029] Generally, the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 are similarly constructed and, therefore, only panel 16 will be described in specific detail. It is to be appreciated that panels 12, 14 and 18 are identical in most respects to the panel 16 unless otherwise specifically noted. The panel 16 includes opposed first or top and second or bottom edges 20, 22, and opposed side edges 24, 26. The side edge 24 connects to a similar side edge (not shown) of the panel 12, and the side edge 26 connects to a similar side edge 28 of the panel 18. Together, the top and bottom edges 20, 22 and the side edges 24, 26 form a rectangular frame having a mesh-like area 30 disposed therein. The mesh 30 is shown in some detail only on a bottom portion of the panel 16 that is separated by broken lines. However, it is to be appreciated that the mesh 30 is disposed throughout panel 16 as indicated by the representative grid of centerlines shown thereon. Similarly, a single vertical and a single horizontal centerline are used to represent like mesh 30 on the other panels 14, 16, 18.

[0030] The mesh 30 may take a variety of different forms and is designed to prevent a cooling agent, e.g., ice cubes or chips, of a conventional conformation and/or size from passing therethrough. However, the mesh 30 allows generally unrestricted airflow therethrough, thus, permitting heat transfer to occur through panel 16. In addition, the mesh 30 allows liquefied cooling agent, which may be formed as the cooling agent absorbs heat from its surroundings, to pass therethrough. In the embodiment illustrated, the mesh 30 is integrally formed as part of the panel 16, although it is to be appreciated that use of other mesh-types is also feasible within the spirit and intent of the invention.

[0031] With reference to FIG. 2, the storage sleeve is shown in an unassembled state 32. In this state, the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 are relatively flat and define a single plane. The first and second panels 12, 14 are centrally located and flanked on either side by the third and fourth panels 16, 18.

[0032] A plurality of score lines or areas of reduced thickness 34 divide the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 from each other and function to form living hinge areas. The connections between the panels 12-18 along hinge areas 34 is such that until elastically deformed, they rigidly retain the panels together in the manner shown in FIG. 2. Once the panels 12-18 are folded along the hinges 34, such as when forming the body 10 as shown in FIG. 1, the hinges are elastically deformed.

[0033] The panel section 16 includes a plurality of through slots 36 at longitudinally spaced intervals adjacent side edge 26. The panel section 18 includes a plurality of corresponding outwardly extending tabs 38 at longitudinally spaced intervals adjacent side edge 28. The tabs 38 are selectively receivable, in the slots 36 for selectively connecting the panel section 16 and the panel section 18. Additionally, with reference to FIG. 1, the connecting tabs 38 each includes a tapered protrusion 40 for releaseably locking the tabs 38 in their corresponding slots 36.

[0034] To manufacture the storage sleeve, the unassembled sleeve 32 of FIG. 2 is formed of a suitable plastic material through conventional means such as injection molding or the like. In the first preferred embodiment here under discussion, the score lines or areas of reduced thickness 34 are created during the molding process itself. However, it is to be appreciated that these areas could be added during a separate machining or like process after the unassembled sleeve 32 is formed. In either case, as described above, the unassembled storage sleeve 32 is generally planar and is defined by distinct panels 12-18.

[0035] To assemble the storage sleeve, the panels are folded, along the hinge areas 34 to form the storage sleeve body 10 shown in FIG. 1. Upon folding of the panel sections, the plastic material at the hinge areas is deformed and no longer maintains its initial rigid form. The side edge 28 of the panel section 18 is brought into contact with the side edge 26 of the panel section 16. The connecting tabs 38 are inserted into the slots 36 such that the protrusions 40 slightly deform to also pass through the slots 36, thereby locking the tabs 38 in the slots 36.

[0036] The assembled storage sleeve 10 of the FIG. 1 can be used in a cooler or portable ice chest. For example, with reference to FIG. 3, the storage sleeve 10 can be operatively positioned within an ice chest or cooler 60 to receive a food or beverage article. A coolant such as ice cubes or chips 62 may then be placed in the ice chest around the storage sleeve. Regardless of whether a food or beverage article is contained within the storage sleeve, it can be seen that the mesh 30 of the sleeve will advantageously prevent the coolant from penetrating and occupying the storage space defined within the sleeve 10. While restricting movement of coolant, the mesh 30 allows desirable heat transfer to occur between the coolant and the storage space defined by sleeve 10.

[0037] As also can be seen in FIG. 3, a plurality of storage sleeves 10 may be placed within a single ice chest 60. The compact rectangular body of the sleeves permits multiple sleeves to be positioned adjacent to one another in the ice chest 60. More specifically, because the panels 12-18 are substantially flat, any of the panels 12-18 may be positioned adjacent in close proximity to another substantially flat surface, such as the wall 64 of the cooler 60 or a panel of another storage sleeve.

[0038] With continuing reference to FIG. 3, the storage sleeve 10 is relatively small compared to the overall size of the portable cooler 60. Notably, the size of the sleeve body is ideally suited for defining a storage area in the cooler for one of many conventionally sized beverage containers, such as a bottle of wine or a carton of milk. Each sleeve 10 reserves a relatively small area in the cooler while not obstructing the remaining available or overall storage area. The sleeve thus preserves occupation of a precisely defined area of the cooler for storage of food or beverage items that may be selectively removed and then replaced in a cooler or ice chest. Also, because the sleeve is small and relatively compact, and because it is preferably comprised of a plastic material, it is relatively lightweight. In addition, the size, plastic material, and efficient design allow the sleeve to be manufactured in a relatively inexpensive manner and facilitate ease of assembly.

[0039]FIG. 4 shows a storage sleeve according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention where the components are identified by like numerals with a primed (′) suffix and new components are defined by new numerals. The storage sleeve of FIG. 4 comprises an open-ended rectangular box frame or body 10′ defined by a plurality of interconnected rectangular panel members 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, similar to the first preferred embodiment.

[0040] One difference between the storage sleeve of the second preferred embodiment and that of the first preferred embodiment resides in the panel 18′ which is formed of a pair of panel sections 18 a and 18 b which are connectable to each other to form a central seam 18 c. In most other respects, the panel 18′ resembles panels 12′, 14′, 16′. That is, panel 18′ includes a mesh-like area 30′, again represented by centerlines, disposed on either side of the central seam 18 c and is connected along its side edges 28′, 42 to the adjacent panels 14′, 16′, respectively.

[0041]FIG. 5 shows the storage sleeve in an unassembled state 32′. In this state, the panels 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′ are relatively flat and define a single plane. The panel 12′ is centrally located and is flanked by panels 14′ and 16′. The pair of panel sections 18 a and 18 b, in turn, flank the opposing side edges of panels 14′ and 16′ in the manner shown.

[0042] Like the first preferred embodiment, a plurality of score lines or areas of reduced thickness 34′ divide panels 12′, 14′, 16′and panel sections 18 a, 18 b from each other and function to form living hinge areas. The connections between the panels 12′, 14′, 16′ and panel sections 18 a, 18 b along hinge areas 34′ is such that until elastically deformed, they rigidly retain the panels together. Once the panels 12′, 14′, 16′ and sections 18 a, 18 b are folded along hinges 34′, such as when forming body 10′ as shown in FIG. 4, the hinges are elastically deformed.

[0043] The panel section 18 a includes a recessed fastening edge or rabbit 44 located distally relative to the other of panels 12′, 14′, 16′. The fastening edge also includes a plurality of apertures 46 at spaced intervals therealong. Similarly, the panel section 18 b includes a recessed fastening edge or rabbit 48 distally located relative to the other panel sections 12′, 14′, 16′, and similarly includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures 50. As best shown in FIG. 6, edges 44, 48 are configured so that in an assembled condition of sleeve body 10′, the edges overlap with each other in the manner shown with apertures 46, 50 in registry with each other (FIG. 4). As shown, the edges 44, 48 are recessed on opposite surfaces 52, 54 of the panel 18′, i.e., edge 44 is recessed in panel section 18 a relative to the rear surface 52 and edge 48 is recessed in panel 18 b relative to the front surface 52. The storage sleeve of the second embodiment is manufactured in generally the same manner as described above in reference to the first preferred embodiment.

[0044] To assemble the storage sleeve of the second embodiment, the panels and panel sections are folded along the hinge areas 32′ to form the storage sleeve body 10′ as shown in FIG. 4. Upon folding of the panel sections, the plastic material at the hinge areas is deformed and no longer maintains its initial rigid form. The fastening edges 44, 48 of panel sections 18 a, 18 b are thus overlapped as shown in FIG. 6 so that apertures 46, 50 are disposed in registry with each other. Convenient connecting means or fasteners are then used to interconnect the panel sections 18 a, 18 b.

[0045] With reference to FIG. 7, the connecting means may comprise, for example, a conventional plastic rivet-type fastener 56 received through each pair of aligned apertures 46, 50. Alternately, rivet or snap type fasteners could be formed integrally as part of one of the rabbitted edges 44, 48 in place of the apertures 46 or 50. Still, other connecting means may be satisfactorily employed such as threaded connectors, adhesives, press fit connections, etc.

[0046] The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 

Having thus described the preferred embodiments, the invention is now claimed to be:
 1. A storage sleeve for use in a cooler container, comprising: a plurality of side panels defining a hollow polygonal structure adapted to be placed within a conventional cooler container with the interior of said polygonal structure defining a storage area; at least one of the plurality of side panels including a mesh-like section to facilitate heat transfer therethrough; and, wherein when said polygonal structure is placed within an associated cooler container and at least partially surrounded by a coolant in solid form, said side panels substantially prevent the coolant from penetrating the storage area while the mesh-like section of said at least one side panel allows heat transfer between the storage area and coolant.
 2. The storage sleeve of claim 1 wherein said polygonal structure is generally rectangular-shaped.
 3. The storage sleeve of claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality of side panels is substantially flat and adapted to be positioned in close spaced relation to an associated substantially flat surface.
 4. The storage sleeve of claim 3 wherein at least a second of the plurality of side panels is substantially flat and adapted to be positioned in close spaced relation to an associated substantially flat surface.
 5. The storage sleeve of claim 1 wherein the interior of said polygonal structure is generally sized to receive a conventional beverage container.
 6. The storage sleeve of claim 1 wherein said plurality of side panels are formed of a relatively lightweight plastic material.
 7. The storage sleeve of claim 1 wherein the plurality of side panels include a first side panel having a slot adjacent an outer distal side edge thereof; a second side panel connected to the first side panel at contiguous side edges by a first living hinge; a third side panel connected to the second side panel at contiguous side edges by a second living hinge; a fourth side panel connected to the third side panel at contiguous side edges by a third living hinge, the fourth side panel having a connecting tab protruding from the outer distal side edge thereof and adapted to be receivable in the slot for selectively connecting the fourth side panel to the first side panel.
 8. The storage sleeve of claim 7 wherein the connecting tab includes a protrusion for releaseably securing the connecting tab in the slot.
 9. The storage sleeve of claim 1 wherein the plurality of side panels includes a first side panel comprised of first and second side panel sections having first and second rabbits, respectively, extending along the distal side edges thereof; said first side panel section connected to a second side panel at contiguous side edges by a first living hinge; said second side panel connected to a third side panel at contiguous side edges by a second living hinge; said third side panel connected to a fourth side panel at contiguous side edges by a third living hinge; said second side panel section connected to the fourth side panel at contiguous side edges by a fourth living hinge; and, said first and second rabbits adapted be placed in overlapping relation with one another to form said first side panel.
 10. The storage sleeve of claim 9 further including means for affixing said first and second rabbits in overlapping relation with one another.
 11. The storage sleeve of claim 10 wherein the connecting means comprises a mechanical fastener cooperatively recurring said first and second rabbits in said overlapping relation.
 12. A storage sleeve adapted for defining a segregated storage area within a container, comprising: a first generally rectangular panel member having first and second side edges; a second generally rectangular panel member having first and second side edges, the first side edge of the second panel member being connected to the second side edge of the first panel member; a third generally rectangular panel member having first and second side edges, the first side edge of the third panel member being flexibly connected to the second side edge of the second panel member; and a fourth generally rectangular panel member having first and second side edges, the first side edge of the fourth panel member flexibly connected to the second side edge of the third panel member, the second side edge of said fourth panel member being flexibly connected to said first panel member first side edge to form an open-ended box-like structure.
 13. The storage sleeve of claim 12 wherein at least one of said panel members includes a mesh for preventing a solid cooling agent from passing therethrough while allowing generally unobstructed heat transfer therethrough.
 14. The storage sleeve of claim 12 wherein one of said first panel member second side edge and second panel member first side edge includes at least one tab extending outwardly therefrom for retaining receipt in at least one slot in the other of said first panel member second side edge and second panel member first side edge.
 15. The storage sleeve of claim 14 wherein said tab includes a protrusion for releaseably securing the tab in said slot.
 16. The storage sleeve of claim 12 wherein said first panel member is comprised of first and second panel sections with a first side edge of said first panel section comprising said first panel member first side edge and a first side edge of said second panel section comprising said first panel member second side edge.
 17. The storage sleeve of claim 16 wherein said first panel second side edge is flexibly connected to said second panel first side edge.
 18. The storage sleeve of claim 16 wherein the first and second panel sections have first and second rabbits, respectively, extending along the distal side edges thereof, said rabbits being cooperable in an overlapping relationship to define a generally flat first panel member.
 19. The storage sleeve of claim 18 further including means for securing said first and second panel sections together along said overlapping rabbits.
 20. The storage sleeve of claim 12 wherein said sleeve may be selectively shifted between an unassembled generally flat condition and said open ended box-like condition be connecting an separating one pair of contiguous panel member side edges relative to each other. 